Ballon d'Or 2017 - Power Rankings

#2 Lionel Messi (Barcelona, Argentina)

Lionel Messi had a spectacular season but didn't win silverware

Lionel Messi may have enjoyed quite simply one of the most outstanding years of his career, individually at least, but unfortunately for him, his heroics failed to help the team win enough silverware.

The Argentine has dragged Barcelona through some turbulent times and extremely difficult situations. This year, he even went forward and did something that many had questioned him for before - not performing for Argentina.

Did he perform and how?

With La Albiceleste needing a win in the final game against Ecuador to qualify for World Cup, the focus was on Messi and if he would be able to carry Argentina to the premier showcase in Russia next year.

To his surprise, his teammates failed him, once again, as Argentine conceded within the first minute of the game.

Messi, then - for the first time in his career, according to some - rose to the occasion for his national team as he netted an unbelievable hat-trick to ensure that he gets the chance to seal his legacy with the approval of a World Cup in 2018.

However, despite his heroics, despite his goals, despite his moments of magic, Messi manages to only come 2nd in the final Ballon d'Or Power Rankings of 2017.